The tuberculosis bacteria reach the abdomen through blood or during swallowing of the infected sputum or spread form infected lypmhnodes or other parts of the body. The ileocaecal and small bowel tuberculosis presents as mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, obstruction, perforation or malabsorption.

Esophageal tuberculosis presents as difficulty in swallowing, odynophagia and mid esophageal ulcer.

Gastro duodenal tuberculosis presents as dyspepsia and gastric outlet obstruction.

Colonic tuberculosis is featured by lower abdominal pain and blood, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stools.

In case involvement of tuberculosis to rectum and anus presents as rectal stricture and multiple perianal fistulae

Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis

• Chest x-rays can show presence of pulmonary lesions.
• Barium meal
• Barium enema
• Ultrasound scan
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Colonoscopy
• Ascitic fluid examaintion

Treatment of abdominal tuberculosis

Abdominal tuberculosis is treated with Antitubercular drugs for 6 months. In the first 2months Rifampicin, ethambutol, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide is used.

Surgical treatment of abdominal tuberculosis involves enteroenterostomy, iliotransverse colostomy.